1. Can I sync my iPod/iPhone/iPad using the PocketDock’s FireWire port?

Only if it is one of the following models:

iPod mini

3G iPod

4G iPod incl. iPod photo and iPod color

All iPod models thereafter and all iPhones and iPads in general do not support sync over FireWire.

2. Can I charge my iPod/iPhone/iPad using the PocketDock’s FireWire port?

Yes, if it is one of the following models:

iPod mini

1G iPod nano

2G iPod nano

3G iPod nano

3G iPod

4G iPod (incl. iPod photo and iPod color)

5G iPod video

6G iPod classic

1G iPod touch

2G iPhone

All iPod & iPhone models thereafter and iPads in general do not support charging through FireWire.

3. Can I use 4-pin FireWire connections (also known as i.Link™) for charging?

No, due to the fact that 4-pin FireWire 400 (1394a) doesn’t provide any power, it can be used to sync only.
For FireWire charging the port on your computer or power supply needs to have either the typical 6-pin FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) connector or the 9-pin FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) connector.

4. Can I use a FireWire wall or car charger with the PocketDock?

Yes.

5. How to play music from my iPod while charging it from my computer at the same time?

When connecting the iPod to your computer’s FireWire port, the iPod will likely display “Do not disconnect” and can no longer be controlled. There are two options to listen to the tracks stored on the iPod while charging on your computer:

Through the iPod’s headphone jack or PocketDock’s Line Out jackUnmount the iPod from within iTunes using the eject button under “DEVICES“ next to the iPod icon in order to gain back access over the iPod’s control wheel/navigation. You can then listen to the iPod either through its built-in headphone jack or, if you prefer better sound-quality, using the PocketDock’s Line Out jack.

Through iTunes and the speakers built-in or attached to your computerWithin iTunes select the iPod from the “DEVICES“ list. Click “Summary“ on the first tab, check “Manually manage music and videos” from the list of options. Click on the triangle next to the iPod icon to expand the content list below the iPod, select “Music” and you access and play the tracks on your iPod.

3. The audio from the Line Out jack is very loud and the volume can not be controlled. Is this normal?

Yes, as it is true Line Out with fixed level, which bypasses the iPod’s internal, amplifying, sound-altering components in order to get you the best possible audio quality. This Line Out signal is supposed to be fed into an external amplifier such as a home or car stereo.

To understand the concept: You can compare the situation with scaling a digital image on your computer. Blowing a picture up leads to blurry results, while scaling down renders crisp and clean results. Same with audio: With an amplifier it is better to bring the incoming signal down in volume (= less signal noise), than it is to actually amplify the signal (= more signal noise).

4. Does the PocketDock’s Line Out jack bypass the EQ (Equalizer) of my iPod?

No. The EQ settings are processed entirely digital inside the iPod. There is therefore no need and no method for the PocketDock to bypass the EQ. If you don’t like your audio signal being altered, simply set the iPod Equalizer to ‘Off’.

5. Can I attach a wired headset with microphone to the PocketDock’s Line Out jack?

No, because the PocketDock Line Out FireWire does not provide a Line Out signal when attached to the iPhone.

While other PocketDock models do provide a Line Out signal from the iPhone, there are several technical major limitations, due to which we can not recommend this:

The sound output provided is a true Line Out signal with fixed level, which means it is not volume adjustable from the iPod/iPhone/iPad.

The iPhone typical in-cord remote control and microphone are not supported through the 30-pin dock connector.

The iPhone does not route phone calls to the Line Out jack. Phone calls can be only heard through the internal speaker, the headphone jack or Bluetooth.

6. One audio channel of my PocketDock’s Line Out jack is missing or intermittent. What should I do?

Every single SendStation product has to pass a strict Quality Control process. Despite these multi-pass controls, it is still possible that a defect arises at later stage such as shipping.

First of all you should make sure that the 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo audio plug is fully inserted into the Line Out jack.

The next question in this case is, whether the PocketDock itself is defective or the supplied SendStation audio cable. To test this, simply connect your earphone plug directly to your PocketDock’s Line Out jack, then start the iPod playback. (Attention: High volume! Careful with your ears!).

If you clearly hear both channels, left and right, the PocketDock works flawlessly, but the supplied SendStation audio cable is defective. If the problem persists, the PocketDock is the trouble-maker. In either case contact SendStation Support for a solution.

7. I’ve connected the PocketDock’s Line Out signal to the Phono jacks of my home stereo. Why is the sound quality so bad?

Phono Inputs are designed to work with the millivolt signal from an unamplified turntable. Modern equipment however has a line level around 1 volt (an iPod/iPhone/iPad has 0.7 to 0.9 volts, see above for details). Make sure to use the RCA input jacks labeled CD, TV or AUX instead.

1. Does the PocketDock Line Out FW block the iPod nano’s headphone jack?

No.

2. My PocketDock doesn’t lock properly when plugged into the iPod. Why doesn’t it have the hook-type latches with release buttons?

All our PocketDocks are designed with the smallest possible size in mind. In order to achieve the tiny size, our engineers had to choose a release-button-free design.

The so-called friction latches ensure secure locking, while still being easy to unplug when required (the best way to pull is to put the thumb on top and the index finger underneath). This release-type has been approved through nearly a hundred different cell-phone connectors which we’ve designed in the past. Meanwhile you can find the same locking mechanism even on Apple accessories, best known through the USB cable which comes with today’s iPods, iPhones & iPads.

A simple test whether the PocketDock locks secure enough is to plug in a cable into your PocketDock and the PocketDock into your iPod. Place a big, soft pillow on the floor, lift the iPod by the cable a few inches above the pillow and gently shake the cable. According to our tests the latches inside are strong enough to keep the PocketDock in place. If it falls out too easily, you can improve the locking stiffness by slightly pulling out the latches using a needle or some small pliers.